Hard Surface Cleaners Comprising Low VOC, Low Odor Alkanolamines

Abstract

Hard surface cleaning compositions comprise: A. Surfactant, e.g., a nonionic ethoxylated alcohol; B. Solvent, e.g., propyleneglycol n-butyl ether; C. Low VOC, low odor, alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of tris(hydroxymethyl)amino methane; 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol; 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol; 2-amino-2-methyl-1-propanol; N,N-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol; and 3-amino-4-octanol; D. Water, and E. Optionally, one or more of an alkaline agent, builder, fragrance, preservative, biocide, colorant, dye and rheology modifier.

1 . A cleaning solution having a vapor pressure of 0.1 mm Hg or less at 20° C., the solution comprising in weight present based on the weight of the solution:
 A. 0.1 to 8 wt % surfactant; 
 B. 0.1 to 1 wt % of a water-miscible solvent; 
 C. 0.1 to 5 wt % alkanolamine selected from the group consisting of tris(hydroxymethyl)amino methane; 2-amino-2-methyl-1,3-propanediol; 2-amino-2-ethyl-1,3-propanediol; N,N-dimethylamino-2-methyl-1-propanol; and 3-amino-4-octanol; and 
 D. at least 80 wt % water. 
 
     
     
         2 . The cleaning solution of  claim 1  in which the water is de-ionized and comprises between 90 and 99.5 wt % of the solution. 
     
     
         3 . The cleaning solution of  claim 1  in which the surfactant is an alkoxylated nonionic surfactant. 
     
     
         4 . The cleaning solution of  claim 1  in which the surfactant is an alcohol ethoxylate. 
     
     
         5 . The cleaning solution of  claim 1  in which the solvent is one or more of propyleneglycol n-butyl ether, propyleneglycol n-propyl ether, dipropylenenglycol methyl ether, dipropylenegylycol propyl ether, dipropylenegylycol n-butyl ether, tripropyleneglycol n-butyl ether, and tripropyleneglycol methyl ether. 
     
     
         6 . The cleaning solution of  claim 1  further comprising at least one of an alkaline agent, builder, fragrance, preservative, biocide, colorant, dye and rheology modifier. 
     
     
         7 . The cleaning solution of  claim 1  further comprising an alkali metal hydroxide. 
     
     
         8 . The cleaning solution of  claim 1  in which the alkanolamine is at least one of tris(hydroxymethyl)amino methane and 3-amino-4-octanol.